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Household Support Fund
If you have a mental health condition and claim benefits but are struggling financially, you may be able to access the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) launched the new £500 million scheme for vulnerable UK households on the 6th October 2021. It will run until 30th September, 2024.
What is the Household Support Fund (HSF)?
The Housing Support Fund (HSF) is a new support grant to help vulnerable people pay for food, energy, and water bills.
Is Household Support Fund a loan?
Household Support Fund is not a loan. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about paying the money back if you receive it.
What can I use Household Support Fund for?
Household Support Fund can be used to help you pay for basic living essentials, including:
- Internet and Phone bills.
- Housing costs – ask your council for more details.
- Clothes.
- Essential transport costs (e.g. car repair, buying a bicycle, fuel).
- Boiler service and/or repair.
- Purchasing a fridge, oven, freezer.
- Sanitary Products.
- Warm clothing for the winter.
- Soap and other personal cleaning products.
- Blankets.
H2: Will I be eligible for Household Support Fund?
You should apply for Household Support Fund if you are on Universal Credit and/or another benefit and cannot afford to:
- Pay your water bill.
- Heat your home because:
- You can’t afford the gas or electricity bill or,
- You can’t afford to repair a broken boiler.
- Pay for food.
- Pay for warm clothes and/or blankets for the winter.
- Pay for soap and other essential cleaning products like shampoo and toothpaste.
- Repair or replace:
- A broken boiler.
- A fridge and/or freezer.
- An oven.
- A hob cooker.
- Pay for tampons, sanitary towels, or other sanitary product.
- Pay for public transport or fuel for your car.
- Pay your internet or phone bill.
If your mental health condition worsens because you cannot afford some or any of these basic living essentials, you should mention this to your local council.
Note
If your mental health makes it difficult for you to talk to people on the phone or face-to-face, you can ask someone to help you, including:
- A mental health support worker.
- A mental health nurse.
- A social worker.
- A friend or relative who knows you and your mental health condition well.
Someone who knows you and your mental health condition can help you explain why you need extra financial help.
Can I get Household Support Fund alongside my benefits?
Yes. You can access the Household Support Fund if you receive other benefits but struggle to pay for minimum living essentials.
How do I apply for the Household Support Fund?
You should contact your local council to apply. Local authorities are responsible for managing the Household Support Fund in their area. You can find details of who your local council is here.
Each council will receive a share of the £500 million funds. Your local council will have the details and tell you how to apply.